Photoshop and similar software, using layers and transparency, are also suitable

STEP 1Open 2 images. The first is the GIFtemplate of the mobile phone (see below left). The second is the carefully-selected JPG image to be used.

Here an existing image of a tropical fish has been used, but it can be an image designed by you as part of this activity. This particular image is larger than the template. explanation below

STEP 2Using the 'Dropper' tool, right click the grey area of the template - making it the 'Background Solid Colour'

STEP 3Using the 'Selection' tool, highlight an area around the image of the template (see right)

STEP 3'Copy' the highlighted image

STEP 4Bring the 'tropical fish/your' image to the front

STEP 5'Paste' the copied image of the template into the 'tropical fish/your' image but you must use 'Paste>As Transparent Selection'

STEP 6You should now see the 'tropical fish/your' image through the transparent template. While highlighted, move the template around until you find the best position for your mobile phone cover design.

This is why the 'tropical fish/your' image is larger

STEP 7Experiment until you are satisfied with your mobile phone cover design. This could mean rotating the 'tropical fish/your' image (see right) or even trying another image.

STEP 8Crop it and Save itas a JPG file

REMEMBER:Transparency is not possible with JPG files. That is why the templates provided on this website for you to download are GIF files.

Transparency is not possible with JPG files. That is why the templates provided on this website for you to download are GIF files.